Kules donate $750,000 for Ukraine studies
Peter and Doris Kule
Edmonton philanthropists Peter and Dorris Kule have donated another $750,000 to Grant MacEwan College to establish a visiting scholars program in Ukrainian studies.
Peter Kule, who fled Stalinist Soviet Union just before the Second World War, and Dorris, his wife of six decades, had previously donated $500,000 to establish the Kule Chair in Ukrainian Community and International Development.
The latest gift, announced today, brings their total contribution to MacEwan to $1.25 million over two years.
"This type of generosity by the Kules is inspiring,” said college president Paul Byrne. “Thanks to Peter and Doris, MacEwan is a Canadian leader in Ukrainian scholarship and outreach. Our college is profoundly thankful to the Kules for their spirit of giving and their dedication to advancing important educational and community initiatives both here at MacEwan and in the Ukraine."
Taken together, the Kules’ gifts to MacEwan have translated into a $3.75 million endowment, because of matching funds provided by the college and by the Alberta government. This is the largest single chair endowment at the college.
These resources have been used by MacEwan’s Ukrainian Resource and Development Centre to foster innovation and leadership in Ukrainian studies and education. A highlight of the centre’s work has been to help establish MacEwan programs in subjects such as business and health care in Kyiv, Ukraine.
"It would be impossible to overstate the value of the Kules’ generosity,” said centre director Roman Petryshyn.
“Thanks to the Kules, MacEwan has built a strong educational presence in Kyiv, with programs to help Ukrainian students develop skills in the business and health fields — skills essential to improving the quality of life in that country.
"As well, the Kules’ commitment to education has helped MacEwan initiate many different research projects and community collaborations aimed at expanding scholarship and innovation in the field of Ukrainian studies."